Not exactly a woodworking project, but...

Well, here’s a couple photos of my latest project. It’s not much of a woodworking job, but it’s part of a greater goal, so I’m posting it as a start.I just finished a little restoration project on a Millers Falls #2 hand drill. I always seem to forget to take “before” photos. I had to turn the small handle opposite the crank that was missing, and refinished the metal parts and the wood parts as well. I found that Varathane #257 Cabernet stain applied after the handles had been stripped and then several spray coats of a clear lacquer finish gave it a look reminiscent of the original rosewood finish. (or at least what I perceive that look to be).

The greater goal…thanks for asking… is to accumulate a small but practical cache of traditional hand tools including things like planes, saws, drills, chisels, spokeshaves, etc, for which I plan to build a traveling tool box (Google “H O Studley tool box” for inspiration…if you haven’t seen this masterpiece, you will want to).My box won’t be as fancy or as well stocked, but one needs a goal…right??? That way, I can do some woodworking “therapy work” at the lake place on weekends. (Easier that lugging around my old shopsmith)The next thing I’d like to tackle is the box, but I’m still playing with the design, size, wood type(s), etc.

But what’s that big red thing on the side do? Actually, a man after my own heart. Rebuilding and refinishing tools is one of the projects I really enjoy taking on. I only wish I could do it more often.

Nice job.

Whit

-- Even if to be nothing more than a bad example, everything serves a purpose. cippotus

Very very nice SST. I love the old Millers Falls and North Bros Drills. I have similar goals of getting a tool cabinet full of classic hand tools. Looking forward to seeing the results of your efforts.

I have one of these also and I ( or someone ) need to make an end cap for it to retain the drill bits , but I had no idea what shape it should be until I saw yours : ) Thank you very much …now all I have to do is figure out how to make the threads on the cap to match the existing ones in the handle !